Top 10 Best Micellar Waters for Face Cleansing

When is water not exactly water? When is facial cleanser not really soap? When water is combined with tiny balls of cleansing oils called micelles, you’ve got one of the hottest skin care products on the market, micellar water. It’s often touted as the beauty secret behind the glowing complexions of French women, and who doesn’t covet that kind of gorgeous? As you know, I am a believer in twice daily facial cleansing as the one thing you must do to keep your skin looking healthy and young. Second, once you’ve washed either at night or in the morning, moisturizer, eye cream and sunscreen are true beauty essentials.

I like to think of micellar cleansing water as nano-technology for your face – the microscopic micelles are akin to itty bitty scrubbing robots (they’re actually molecules), sweeping dirt, oil, makeup and environmental pollutants from your skin. What makes micellar water different from other cleansers, besides those nifty little micelles? Micellar water is super gentle on your delicate skin, helping maintain pH balance, and it’s almost always free from damaging chemical ingredients. With this facial cleansing product, you don’t need to scrub your skin to get it clean. You simply soak a cotton pad, and gently swipe away the yucky stuff. It’s pretty easy to see why that would be beneficial for those with dry, sensitive skin, but micellar water is also extremely good for oily, irritable skin. People prone to breakouts tend to scrub the heck out of their oily complexions, often causing more harm than good, in doing so.

Those tiny micelles work hard to unclog your pores and give your skin a deep down clean. In fact, you don’t even need to rinse it away, because it offer hydrating benefits, in addition to awesome clean skin. While many of us will always love our favorite scrubs, cleansing brushes and face washes, micellar water is an incredibly convenient option to take with you to the gym or the office for an easy clean up and makeup refresh. It’s an even better choice to take on outings where water washing options are limited, like camping trips and hikes. For those times, you might even want to choose pre-moistened micellar water wipes.

Micellar water comes in many different formulas. Some are especially crafted to attack tougher removal jobs, like getting rid of mascara and waterproof makeup, while others are gentle and made to soothe and de-puff irritated skin. All of them offer interesting options to enhance, and simplify your cleansing routine. So if you’re ready to try something completely new and easy, check out these Top 10 Best Micellar Waters for Face Cleansing.

1. La Roche-Posay Micellar Cleansing Water & Makeup Remover

(La Roche-Posay)

La Roche-Posay Micellar Water/eau micellaire facial cleanser is a three in one facial product that acts as a face wash, facial toner and make-up remover all with the swipe of a simple cotton pad. This micellar water cleanses, but also maintains your skin’s natural pH balance. Dirt-encapsulating micelles work to micro-encapsulate dirt and oil on the skin’s surface and cleanse your skin of dirt, oil, makeup and even pollution particles without scrubbing. With a gentle, water-like texture that is mildly scented, this gentle cleanser quickly removes impurities, and up to 99 percent of even long wearing foundation. This face wash and make-up remover won’t clog your pores or sting your eyes, because it’s been dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested to be safe for sensitive skin and eyes. The hyper-gentle cleansing formula contains La Roche-Posay thermal spring water, glycerin to hydrate your skin and Poloxamer to gently cleanse it, leaving your face smooth to the touch. It’s alcohol free, paraben free and allergy tested. If you need to soothe and soften irritated skin, La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water features calming antioxidants. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Intense Soothing Facial Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin provides intense, long-lasting comfort for chronically dry, irritable skin.

For fun and flirty supermodel eyes, mink eyelashes can deliver showstopping results. These fabulous fakes offer luscious length and curl, as well as long wear.

Click here to read more 2. Bioderma Sébium H2O Micellar Water

(BIODERMA)

Bioderma Sébium H2O is a soap-free, cleansing and make-up removing water that gently purifies combination or oily skin. One of the first micellar waters formulated to mimic the natural composition of your skin, it completely and naturally removes dirt, oil and makeup completely, without harsh, drying chemicals. With Fluidactiv™ patented sebo-correcting complex, it biologically regulates sebum quality to keep your pores from becoming clogged, so it efficiently clears up acne prone skin. It’s also enriched with purifying agents including zinc gluconate and copper sulphate. The net effect is that Sébium H2O purifies your skin at the same time as it limits sebaceous secretion. For extremely sensitive skin, Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water is highly rated at 4.6 out of five stars by users. If you still feel like you need something foaming to feel really clean, finish your nightly cleansing routine with Bioderma Sebium Foaming Gel.

Price: $16.90

Buy the Bioderma Sébium H2O Micellar Water here.

Pros:

Rated 4.5 out of five stars by users

Formulated specifically for oily and combination skin

Efficiently removes dirt and makeup

You can skip the toner and just use this product

Cons:

Can be somewhat drying

More expensive than some

May irritate eyes

Doesn’t do as well as some at removing eye makeup

Find more Bioderma Sébium H2O Micellar Water information and reviews here. The Best Natural & Organic Makeup: Top 25 Essentials

Want to love up your lovely face with the best natural and organic cosmetics? Get ready to look gorgeous and healthy, with the best natural makeup on the market.

Click here to read more 3. Most Affordable: Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water

(Garnier)

If you’re looking for a super affordable way to test out the micellar water cleansing craze, Garnier’s SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water is worth a try. It’s Amazon’s Choice because so many customers have rated it favorably. It uses micelle technology. Like a magnet, these micelles capture and lift away dirt, oil and makeup without harsh rubbing. Your skin will be perfectly clean, hydrated and refreshed without over-drying. This gentle cleansing formula is even tough on waterproof eye makeup, and many user report that they’ve also effectively used it to gently clean up tough makeup spills on counters and floors. Garnier SkinActive Micellar Makeup Removing Towelettes are perfect for travel and whenever you’re in a place where soap and water aren’t facial cleansing options. For those who struggle with particularly oily and acne prone skin, Garnier also makes a micellar water cleanser especially formulated for problem complexions.

Price: $6.74 (25 percent off MSRP)

Buy the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water here.

Pros:

Rated 4.3 out of five stars by users

Amazon’s Choice

Seriously affordable

Effective for removing even tough eye makeup

Cons:

Despite instructions indicating otherwise, many people prefer to rinse this off

Vichy’s 3-in-1 Micellar Water facial cleanser features a water-like texture that cleanses and purifies your skin and removes makeup without leaving that tight feeling or stinging that can happen so often with soap. It acts as a cleanser, facial toner, and makeup remover in one. Enriched with hydrating Pro-Vitamin B5, this formula leaves your sensitive eye area soft and soothed. With Vichy Thermal Spa Water, shown to soothe and fortify skin, this non-sticky, non-oily, non-drying formula will transform your nightly beautify regimen. Suitable for sensitive skin, it has a light and refreshing fragrance. No rubbing or rinsing is required. This micellar water cleanser is paraben-free and alcohol-free and soap free. It has been tested under dermatological and ophthalmological controls, so it’s suitable for sensitive skin and safe for contact lens wearers. Fight the signs of aging with Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Spa Water, from French Volcanoes. This 100 percent pure and naturally rich thermal water has 15 rare minerals to regenerate, soothe and protect your skin. For 48 hour hydration, Vichy Aqualia Thermal Power Serum with Hyaluronic Acid replenishes water loss to leave your skin hydrated and smooth.

If you want to put your best face forward, botanically based natural and organic face washes can give you a clean, clear, more radiant complexion, starting now.

Click here to read more 5. NUXE Micellar Cleansing Water with Rose Petals

(NUXE)

Because the beautiful skin of French women inspired the cult revolution of micellar water, it’s no surprise that NUXE Paris has taken the challenge to produce this popular cleansing option. This multitasking beauty product uses the soothing power of rose petals to cleanse, hydrate, and gently remove makeup without drying out your skin. It is suitable for all skin types, but especially recommended for those with dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin, as it leaves your pH in perfect balance. Plus, the gentle rose fragrance ensures that cleansing your face is a pleasure, rather than a chore. To keep your clean skin radiant and younger looking, NUXE Crème Prodigieuse Anti-Fatigue Moisturizing Cream protects against oxidative stress, the main cause of skin aging. Because signs of aging show up especially around your eyes, NUXE Contour des Yeux Prodigieux Anti-Fatigue Moisturizing Eye Cream helps fight puffiness, bags, sags and wrinkles.

Price: $17 (15 percent off MSRP)

Buy the NUXE Micellar Cleansing Water with Rose Petals here.

Pros:

Rated 4.3 out of five stars by users

Especially good for those with sensitive skin

Cleans away dirt, oil and makeup without drying your skin

Smells heavenly

Cons:

Pretty spendy

Doesn’t remove eye makeup as well as some

Can leave skin feeling a bit sticky

Rose fragrance overwhelming to some

Find more NUXE Micellar Cleansing Water with Rose Petals information and reviews here. Top 10 Best Natural & Organic Mascaras

When someone looks in your eyes, you want to make an impression. Create a gorgeous look that's better for you, and the planet, with natural and organic mascara.

Click here to read more 6. Eau Thermale Avène Micellar Lotion

(Avène)

Rooted in dermatology and hydrotherapy, Avène has nearly three centuries of expertise in caring for sensitive skin. Its core ingredient, Avène Thermal Spring Water, soothes and helps minimize skin sensitivity. This micellar cleansing water is based on the micelle principle that releases cleansing agents, as well as protecting and softening ingredients, upon contact with the skin. This technologically advanced no-rinse cleansing water removes impurities and effectively removes all traces of make-up on your face, eyes and lips while hydrating your skin, leaving it soft and moisturized. This micellar water is paraben-free, alcohol-free, soap-free, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. If you’re like me, I still like to use a toner to feel completely clean, like Eau Thermale Avène Gentle Toner. To soothes and soften your skin and minimize sensitivity, spritz on Eau Thermale Avène Thermal Spring Water. It feels invigorating and provides anti-oxidant protection.

It’s no surprise that powerhouse beauty brand, L’Oreal, has developed a full line of cleansing waters powered by micelle molecules. This micellar water removes makeup, dirt and excess oil in one step, to leave oily skin purified and looking mattified. Your skin will feel perfectly pure and clean, and this micellar cleanser will help curb excess oil that leads to breakouts. With three different cleansing formulas, you’ll find a micellar water that’s right for your skin type as well as your makeup type. If you have normal or dry skin, L’Oreal’s Micellar Cleansing Water Normal/Dry will leave your skin feeling hydrated and soothed, while reducing long term dryness. L’Oreal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof is perfect for all skin types, but is especially effective at removing that persnickety waterproof makeup. It will leave your skin purified and clear, while left with a hydrated look.

Price: $7.47 (5 percent off MSRP)

Buy the L’Oreal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Normal/Oily here.

Pros:

Rated 4.3 out of five stars by users

Super affordable

Effectively removes makeup

Doesn’t over dry your skin

Cons:

Smells kind of funny to some

May leave your skin feeling tight

Feels more watery than some in this category

Leaves some residue on the skin which is uncomfortable for some users

Find more L’Oreal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Normal/Oily information and reviews here. Top 9 Best Epilators for Hair Removal

When it comes to all over hair removal, no pain, no gain. But for long lasting, truly smooth skin, an epilator can deliver hair-free results that last for weeks.

This gentle floral micellar water is a three-in-one cleanser, toner and make-up remover. It is enriched with soothing and decongesting cornflower water, and it delicately and thoroughly removes all traces of make-up from your face, eyes and lips. If you struggle with puffiness around your eye area, the cornflower water is especially effective for helping to reduce it. This make-up remover is alcohol free, paraben free, color free and fragrance free, making it an ideal option for even the most sensitive eyes and skin. It leaves your skin clean and fresh. Because it’s ophthalmologist tested, it’s suitable for contact lens wearers. The nifty pump dispenser ensures you can use just the right amount, without waste. Because this is among the more expensive, but also highly rated, micellar water options, it’s good to maximize your investment. For road trips, and to keep at work when you need to refresh your makeup for an evening event, Klorane Make-Up Remover Biodegradable Wipes with Soothing Cornflower are kind to your face and the planet. To refresh, moisturize and brighten tired eyes, Klorane Smoothing and Relaxing Patches with Soothing Cornflower can help to de-puff your bags, and smooth fine lines and wrinkles.

Find more Klorane Floral Water Make-Up Remover With Soothing Cornflower information and reviews here. Top 9 Best Epilators for Hair Removal

When it comes to all over hair removal, no pain, no gain. But for long lasting, truly smooth skin, an epilator can deliver hair-free results that last for weeks.

Click here to read more 9. Top Rated: inVitamin Natural Cleansing Micellar Water

(inVitamin)

If you’re considering micellar water, it’s probably because you are looking for a way to gently remove makeup and cleanse your skin. With inVitamin’s Micellar Water, this natural, no-rinse technology cleans and hydrates your skin in one simple step. As with all micellar waters, natural micelles will eagerly grab onto and absorb dirt, grime, oil and makeup without drying or breaking your skin’s delicate lipid barrier. This gentle cleanser doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals, alcohol or foaming agents. You just simply let the product dissolve, wipe grime away with a cotton pad, and let the remainder dry on your skin. It will leave you feeling clean and well-hydrated. This micellar water works well with all skin types, especially dry, sensitive and acne-prone skin. If you’re someone who really struggles with acne, inVitamin has a full face care kit that can help heal, and fight future breakouts. To minimize enlarged pores and restore your skin’s natural pH balance, cleanse once in a while with inVitamin Natural Charcoal Facial Cleansing Cream.

Price: $9.99

Buy the inVitamin Natural Cleansing Micellar Water here.

Pros:

Rated 4.6 out of five stars by users

Quite affordable

Gently cleanses skin of dirt, oil and makeup

Smells lovely

Cons:

Not as effective on eye makeup as some

Some packaging and clarity issues reported

Find more inVitamin Natural Cleansing Micellar Water information and reviews here. Top 10 Best Home Facial Peels

If you want your skin to look younger, brighter and better, affordable and easy to use home facial peels could be the key to the complexion of your dreams.

Click here to read more 10. InstaNatural Micellar Water

(InstaNatural)

InstaNatural Micellar Cleansing Water offers a gentle and easy way to cleanse your skin, removing naturally occurring dirt, impurities and stubborn makeup. Blended with gentle ingredients and calming botanical extracts, your skin will feel clean and refreshed. Because micelles offer a gentle cleaning experience, this cleansing method is especially good for delicate, sensitive or irritable skin. It is great for use at the gym, at work or when traveling. Natural extracts such as lavender, cucumber, sage and calendula soothe your skin and defend the skin’s natural barrier, reducing redness and irritation. Plant-based glycerin acts as a natural humectant, drawing hydration deep into your complexion to deliver nourishment with radiant results. Because micellar water isn’t the best exfoliator, InstaNatural Glycolic Acid Peel effectively gets rid of dead skin cells to leave your face looking fresh and firm. To keep your skin looking young and radiant, InstaNatural Hyaluronic Acid Serum twice daily fights wrinkles and delivers long lasting moisture.

Price: $15.17 (5 percent off MSRP)

Buy the InstaNatural Micellar Water here.

Pros:

Rated 4.2 out of five stars by users

Extremely gentle and soothing

Effectively cleanses

Nice, natural ingredients and cruelty free

Cons:

More expensive than some

Not as effective as some at removing water proof makeup

Scent is unpleasant to some

Find more InstaNatural Micellar Water information and reviews here. Top 20 Best Organic & Natural Shampoos

If you want a thick, gorgeous mane, natural and organic shampoos deliver the goods with organic ingredients that are earth friendly, cruelty free and smell amazing.

Click here to read more Heavy, Inc. is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon. Our product recommendations are guided solely by our editors. We have no relationship with manufacturers.